Health Focus is a weekly article in the Lake County News Herald featuring a Q & A with Dr. Vanek.
Q: After having kids, I need help in my stomach area, but what’s the difference between Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck?
Before answering, you should know that not all Liposuction is alike. In 2003, I was first to bring VASER LipoSelection to Ohio. It uses specific ultrasonic waves to target only fat cells, leaving all other cells unaffected. Utilizing VASER also increases skin tightening by 56% and reduces blood loss by 23%. These differences reduce time necessary for the procedure and recovery.
Now to your question. In simplest terms, liposuction removes excess fat, while a tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens muscles. These two procedures can be complimentary, and I typically recommend performing them together – minimizing your total procedure time, cost and recovery. But sometimes patients may not need both. If you do not have a significant amount of excess fat or skin (see below), you may try having only the less invasive VASER LipoSelection of the abdomen. If not pleased with your results after healing, you can always have a tummy tuck.
How to determine whether VASER Liposelection or a tummy tuck is right for you
During your consultation, I can help determine if there is excess fat or skin to remove. If you want to examine yourself, when you grab your fat layer, is it a lot thicker than you know it should be? Have you unsuccessfully tried to lose this fat through diet and exercise? Next, does your skin sag significantly, perhaps due to considerable weight fluctuation during or post pregnancy? I would also assess your abdominal wall for muscle laxity. Please call our office so we can help place you on the right path for you to look and feel your best.
Contact us to set up your own consultation or answer any question you may have.
Dr. Paul Vanek MD, FACS
Vanek Plastic Surgery
9485 Mentor Ave #100
Mentor, OH 44060
440-205-5750
